Home and Garden: Reaching out for help

Even the handiest of handypersons sometimes needs assistance.
Lots of people fancy themselves as expert DIYers, standing at the ready with the tools and know-how to tackle most everyday jobs around the home. Still, some projects are simply too large and complex to handle all by yourself. That’s when it’s time to hire a professional.
HOME ADDITIONS
Home projects always come with an investment of money and time, but some of them may prove to be more trouble than they’re worth. Creating a home addition is one of them. This is a complex endeavor that often requires a diverse set of skills beyond the capabilities of an average do-it-yourselfer. There may be bureaucratic red tape and insurance implications. Stumbling into one of these challenges as a novice might put off the completion of your project indefinitely.
DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES
Some things are easier than others, like removing a portion of drywall. Others, however, are hardly a straightforward task: You shouldn’t try to deal with or manage the removal of hazardous materials such as asbestos, mold or lead. These substances pose significant risks to your health, and necessitate the use of specific, often complex safety precautions during their handling and removal.
MAJOR ELECTRICAL
Many DIYers can quickly and safely install a new light fixture or replace an outlet. But it’s important to recognize that larger electrical projects require the expertise of a licensed professional. Connecting power to a new addition, for example, is a major job that should not be attempted by an untrained individual. There are inherent personal dangers associated with this type of work, not to mention the potential that faulty wiring might lead to a fire hazard. Hire a qualified electrician for these jobs.
FOUNDATION REPAIR
Significant structural problems require both expertise and heavy equipment. Don’t take chances with the safety of your home and loved ones. Seek out a pro if your foundation is in need of repair due to cracks or a deteriorating structure.
MAJOR PLUMBING
As with electrical tasks, some home projects are well within the grasp of do-it-yourselfers — including changing a toilet or updating fixtures. But other related projects demand a higher level of skill and understanding, including things like water-main issues or installing new plumbing. Should they be incorrectly replaced or installed, there’s a potential for significant damage throughout the entire house.